Automatic Cupping Tester

Cupping Test (Erichsen method) for Coatings

TQC Cupping Test Devices are designed and manufactured to determine the resistance of paint, varnish, or similar coating materials applied on painted steel panels against cracking and/or detachment from the metal surface when subjected to gradual deformation under standard conditions, by performing a cupping (Erichsen / Dent method) test.

The test can be conducted either as a Pass/Fail evaluation at a specific indentation depth, or by determining the maximum indentation depth at which the coating is damaged during the progressive cupping process.

The TS EN ISO 1520 standard requires the panels to be deformed at a constant speed between 0.1 mm/s and 0.3 mm/s, without interruption. Especially when using thick steel panels, achieving uninterrupted deformation with manually operated devices is not always possible.

In the TQC Automatic Cupping Tester, deformation is generated by a micro-step controlled electric motor that allows precise and smooth deformation in steps of 0.01 mm. Thanks to the turn-and-press button and the large illuminated display featuring a multilingual user interface, the device is intuitive and easy to operate.

The integrated LED sample illumination system facilitates the inspection of the coating during testing. To ensure maximum visibility on surfaces ranging from high-gloss to matte or colored specimens, the angle of the LED light can be adjusted to illuminate from a single direction or from all directions. Both the intensity and the color of the light can be adjusted to achieve optimal contrast.

The Cupping / Indentation Test is a mandatory procedure for Qualicoat, QIB, and GSB accredited laboratories.

Product CodeDescription
SP4500
TQC-Sheen Automatic Cupping Test